Why Do It?

Condensing PDF can help facilitate transfers of PDF documents from one
machine to another either through storage media (manual transfer) or
email (PDF documents sent as attachments). Here's the problem with some
PDF documents, especially the ones that have been compiled from recently
scanned physical documents: the size is far too large. If the PDF
document exceeds the 3-megabyte mark, then the document is already too
hefty for quick and efficient transfers. Condensing PDF eliminates this
problem and reduces the document size. Condensing PDF also allows
graphics and other important components to remain in the documents
without being unduly affected.

How It's Done

Condensing PDF is quite an easy task. Simply choose the feature in your
PDF compiler or PDF editing software called that causes file size
reduction. This feature can come in an array of names but usually, the
feature is located in the group that has to do with cropping, etc. Now,
if you want to really reduce the size even prior to condensing PDF, all
you have to do is to view the PDF document in pure text form. That means
you temporarily view it without the richly colored images. Condensing
PDF would also allow you to remove unwanted components such as
annotations that might be taking up too much space.

Benefits

Condensing PDF has many, many benefits. If you want a PDF document that
is fit for screen-reading only, then you won't need JavaScript or
unnecessary links. Condensing PDF can really help you save on hard drive
space generally because you have access to a trimming feature that makes
a PDF document lighter. If you want to retain the images but still want
to keep the small file size, condensing PDF can also help. Simply use
the grayscale function present in just about any PDF editing software.
In addition to rich images and add-ons (bookmarks, etc.) the fonts are
also a contributing factor. If you can, limit the font type number to 1
or 2 font types prior to condensing PDF.